Photovoltaic-powered irrigation experiments in the United States

Conference · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1978

OSTI ID:6439787

Matlin, R W

A portion of the photovoltaic (PV) field testing activity by M.I.T. Lincoln Laboratory for the U.S. Department of Energy is summarized. The selected topics are PV agricultural testing at Mead, Nebraska and the initiation of activity to develop very small ''micro-irrigation'' systems. The Mead, Nebraska, experiment that generates approximately 25-kW peak power, tests the application of solar energy to a variety of agricultural tasks including irrigation and crop drying. At the other end of the size spectrum, a 120-watt micro-irrigation system has been built to demonstrate a possible alternative to human-powered pumping in developing countries. These two projects are summarized and data gathered during its initial operating period are given.

• Research Organization: Massachusetts Inst. of Tech., Lexington (USA). Lincoln Lab.
• DOE Contract Number: EY-76-C-02-4094
• OSTI ID: 6439787
• Report Number(s): COO-4094-28; CONF-780773-1
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

14 SOLAR ENERGY
140501* -- Solar Energy Conversion-- Photovoltaic Conversion
CROPS
DEMONSTRATION PROGRAMS
DRYERS
DRYING
EFFICIENCY
ELECTRIC BATTERIES
ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELLS
ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS
EQUIPMENT
INVERTERS
IRRIGATION
PERFORMANCE
PHOTOVOLTAIC POWER PLANTS
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
POWER PLANTS
POWER RANGE 10-100 KW
SOLAR POWER PLANTS